By DAVID MOSSE

It didn't hurt that Penarol's run in the Copa Libertadores forced Diego Aguirre's side to de-emphasize its domestic campaign, but Nacional deserves plenty of credit for being one point away from clinching the Uruguayan Clausura title. Los Tricolores enter the 14th round five points ahead of Penarol and six points above Defensor Sporting, which faces the leaders Saturday (3 p.m., GOLTV).

Defensor Sporting squandered a great opportunity to move into second place by failing to defeat a Penarol side resting several starters last week. The visitors actually took the lead through Rodrigo Pastorini before Sebastian Suarez equalized with a precise header. Sporting will need big performances from strikers David Texeira and Ignacio Risso to pull off the upset on Saturday.

It won't be easy, however, to beat a rock-solid Nacional back-line led by Sebastian Coates. There's plenty at stake between these two teams, as Sporting captured the Apertura title, but Nacional has moved in front in the overall standings and could hold the tie-breaker edge in the eventual clash for annual supremacy. This promises to be a very tense confrontation in Montevideo.

Here's a look ahead to the other important matches in South America this weekend:

URUGUAY

Penarol vs. Central Espanol, Sunday, 2:30 p.m.

Penarol all but waved the white flag domestically in recent weeks, as Aguirre felt compelled to pursue the Libertadores title instead, but Los Carboneros are still mathematically alive in the Clausura race heading into this matchup with relegation-threatened Central Espanol. Aguirre will likely rest his starters again on Sunday, but the coach will still expect to pick up all three points.

Los Palermitanos suffered a potentially crippling 2-1 loss to Tacuarembo last time out, which left them one point behind Racing and three points behind Rampla Juniors in the relegation table.

Centro Atletico Fenix vs. River Plate, Sunday, 2:30 p.m.

River Plate is enjoying a sensational end to the campaign and will look to make it three straight victories on Sunday. Los Darseneros have exploded for four goals in each of the past two games. Jose Maria Franco led the way last week, scoring twice in a 4-2 win over the Montevideo Wanderers, while Pablo Gaglianone and Janderson Pereira added goals also.

Gaglianone is a very talented player who connected on a lovely free-kick and should have his way with the Centro Atletico back line. Eduardo de Capellan's side also thumped Penarol the week before by a 4-1 score with Franco and Pereira among the goal-scorers, while Los Albivioletas haven't fared as well lately, going winless in four games; however, they remain fourth in the table.

ARGENTINA

Tigre vs. Velez Sarsfield, Sunday, 5:10 p.m.

After falling to Penarol in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores semifinal tie, Velez Sarsfield might be tempted to rest some regulars in the league clash with Tigre, but manager Ricardo Gareca has maintained all along he will not prioritize one competition over another. El Fortin enter the 16th round just three points above Godoy Cruz atop the Clausura table with a tricky road fixture up next.

Velez picked up an impressive 2-0 win over Gimnasia La Plata last weekend with Santiago Silva and Maxi Moralez finding the back of the net, while Ricky Alvarez put forth another dazzling display. Tigre fell to Lanus, 3-0, last time out and now occupies 11th place in the table, but Gareca's side didn't arrive at this point by taking lesser opponents for granted, so expect a spirited effort.

Olimpo vs. River Plate, Sunday, 7:20 p.m.

The loss to Boca Juniors two weeks ago predictably set off a crisis for River Plate, as Los Millonarios were held to a 1-1 draw by San Lorenzo last time out and now find themselves in serious danger of being relegated. River squares off against Olimpo on Sunday in a crucial encounter and manager Juan Jose Lopez hopes Erik Lamela can provide his usual inspiration.

Lamela should be available, despite representing Argentina in a midweek friendly against Paraguay, while Leandro Caruso will try to find the back of the net again after scoring in the San Lorenzo clash. Matias Almeyda returns from suspension, but defender Jonathan Maidana appears likely to miss what should be a very tense battle with proud River Plate playing for its survival.

BRAZIL

Botafogo vs. Santos, Saturday, 5:30 p.m., GOLTV

Botafogo will be the latest beneficiary of Santos' Libertadores run, as manager Muricy Ramalho is once again promising to field a second-string side like he did in the opening round last week against Internacional. Santos does boast plenty of talent and actually dominated large portions of that match before settling for a 1-1 draw. Keirrison and Ze Roberto traded goals in the first half.

The former Benfica flop took advantage of a rare starting opportunity and will likely lead the front-line for Santos on Saturday, while Rodrigo Possebon maintains his place in the center of the park. Other youngsters such as Alex Sandro, Alan Patrick and Maikon Leite should find themselves in the starting lineup against a Botafogo side that just acquired veteran Sevilla midfielder Renato.

Cruzeiro vs. Palmeiras, Sunday, 3 p.m.

Cruzeiro striker Wallyson has been one of the shining stars in Brazilian soccer so far this year, but the youngster was ineffective in a 1-0 loss to Figueirense last week. The Belo Horizonte club will need strong performances from both Wallyson and Argentine playmaker Walter Montillo to knock off Palmeiras, especially with Roger now sidelined.

Goalkeeper Fabio was recently recalled to the national team and showed why, making a number of big saves in this match. He also was involved in a bizarre incident that cost Cruzeiro dearly, punching the ball off the back of Marquinhos Parana and into his own net. Fabio will need to be at his best on Sunday, as Palmeiras features one of the most talented strikers in Brazil in Kleber.

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